Selecting Character Names

Oh dear, I think i have reached that stage in developing my feature narrative screenplay, The Acid House (working title), that I have begun to wonder if it is really okay to continue calling my characters, The Australian Girl, The Female Doctor or The Doctor's Brother. But, for the moment, I have no idea what to call them?


Whilst the story has developed very organically within my imagination; that is to say that I have always known what will happen in Act I or Act IIb. The one thing I have struggled with is the character's names. Where does one find inspiration for character names? Should I search through baby books or research mythological characters? Should I try to find a name that 'represents' their personality? or should I name it after 'real' people who might be inspiring to the character arc or development?


In the end, I decided to google it, Screenplay Character Name Generator. The 113,000 results reassured me that there are many others out there also struggling to their protagonist and crew.


I found Baby Name websites. Etymology websites. I even downloaded a Random Name Generator from CNet.


But, as my screenplay, The Acid House, is set mostly in Bangladesh. I knew I needed names that were authentically Bengali names. Through my google search I came across a website, Babynology that had a good list of names. I like the female names: Amrita, Brinda, Chandra, Chira, Dali, Gopa, Indra, Ira, Joyeeta, Keka, Lili, Mala, Mita, Nondita, Omrita, Priya, Rani, Shoma, Tara, Usha, and Vijaya. And the male names: Abhik (means 'Fearless'), Baru, Chandan, Deepak, Gopal, Hem, Ishwar, Jay, Kahrim, Lokesh, Madan, Nabin, Olok, Prabir, Raj, Sabir, Tarak, Ukunda, and Vishnu.


In the end, I settled with Lili as my protagonist's name. Now you might wonder that Lili doesn't sound Bengali, I know I did. Surprisingly, Babynology lists Lili's origin to be Bengali. And whilst, I may not be sure that Lili comes from Bangledesh, I am happy with my choice.